Mark 1:1-8 (NASB)
1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: "BEHOLD, I SEND MY MESSENGER AHEAD OF YOU, WHO WILL PREPARE YOUR WAY; 3 THE VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS, 'MAKE READY THE WAY OF THE LORD, MAKE HIS PATHS STRAIGHT.'"
2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: "BEHOLD, I SEND MY MESSENGER AHEAD OF YOU, WHO WILL PREPARE YOUR WAY; 3 THE VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS, 'MAKE READY THE WAY OF THE LORD, MAKE HIS PATHS STRAIGHT.'"
4 John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness
preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
5 And all the country of Judea was going out to him, and all the people of Jerusalem; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.
6 John was clothed with camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist, and his diet was locusts and wild honey. 7 And he was preaching, and saying, "After me One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to stoop down and untie the thong of His sandals.
8 "I baptized you with water; but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."
5 And all the country of Judea was going out to him, and all the people of Jerusalem; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.
6 John was clothed with camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist, and his diet was locusts and wild honey. 7 And he was preaching, and saying, "After me One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to stoop down and untie the thong of His sandals.
8 "I baptized you with water; but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."
Here, we have an interesting picture of John’s appearance
or fashion-sense. His diet was also out of the ordinary. His message was strong,
unpleasant (v4) and direct to the point (v7-8): “Someone is coming soon who is
greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to stoop down like a
slave and untie the straps of his sandals. I baptize you with water, but he
will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!”
As we read the story in the Bible, we are often surprised
by some of the details given by the narrator. It is true that some details are
interesting and we can draw lessons from those details. However, we must not
miss the main points. The main point is that John is fulfilling a prophecy in Isaiah
(v2) and although he stands out in the whole picture (v3-8), he is pointing to
a very important Person, “The One who is mightier will baptize you with the
Holy Spirit”. He is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. And this is the beginning of
the gospel according to Mark (v1). This is the good news of Jesus Christ.
As we read the Bible and draw out different principles of
our lives, we must not be distracted to understand the main point is regarding
this Person Jesus Christ. It is the Son of God coming to tell us and
demonstrate to us His peace and love for us. It is the Son of God coming to
tell us His Plan for mankind.
Christmas, an event that we are going to celebrate, can
take place because there is a beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ to us.
Mark tells us this story in this gospel.
May the Lord help us tell His Story to others who need
the good news.
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